Hey Ladies! So, how did it go with the letter writing? Hopefully you were able to jot down a quick note to encourage someone you know!

I have a new challenge for you for this upcoming week. It will take a little bit more effort than just writing a note, but it will totally make the day of someone who you feel deserves it.

Growing up Baptist, several of our ministries revolved around food. I'm sure many of you may have even cooked a meal for a sick friend, the new neighbors across the street, or a family who has lost a loved one. After having my son, I had my first experience of being the recipient of many meals and it was such a blessing!

Today's challenge is a little bit different than the typical cook-a-meal ministry. This week, how about cooking a meal for someone-- just because?! Is there a single mom (or dad) in your church? What about a friend who's been having a stressful time at work? Think about someone you know who is could just enjoy a night off from cooking and be the one to give them that opportunity!

It really doesn't have to be all that difficult. All you have to do is to double a recipe that you are already making. You don't need to go all out, super fancy. Just use the same ingredients, same cooking time. Totally easy. Sure, it does take a little time and some extra effort.

But I wanted to share with you about this one time that I did this earlier this year. Just randomly one day, I felt like cooking and so I made some extra chicken spaghetti for a single-mom friend. I babysat for her son during the day, so I just gave it to her when she came to pick him up. And she teared up (I actually felt really bad about that), but it was so evident that it was such a God-thing. I had no idea she'd had a super tough couple of days and she was so thankful to be able to not have to go home and worry about dinner. How cool that God really put that idea in my head that very day!!

So, how do you go about mentioning to someone that you want to make a meal for them? I have practice here too and it's not as awkward as it may seem. First, never ask, "Can I make a meal for you?"... because who really wants to impose and actually say, "yes, please!". Here's a couple easy lines to use:

• I would love to make a meal for you and your family! What day this week would be best?
• I made dinner for your family today! When can I bring it over? (make sure you get this out *before* they start making dinner.)

They even work as text messages/emails. It doesn't have to be confrontational or weird! These statements make it clear that you really want to do it for them and they don't give them much room to back out (unless it really won't work and then they'll tell you).

When you drop it off, just say a quick blurb about why you wanted to do this for them... or write a note. You know how I love notes. But just tell them how wonderful of a job they are doing at managing the house while their husband is away, or while their job is just super demanding, or because they just do a really good job at serving others and you wanted to do something nice.

Make a plan, set a goal for when you're gonna make it happen. If you've already grocery shopped for this week- make a note to buy extra for next week. It won't be hard, it doesn't have to be expensive and you can make it fun! Allow yourself to be a M.A.D. Mommy this week and I promise that you will receive a great blessing in serving someone else!